Article · Wikipedia archive · Last revised Jun 2, 2026

Tackler

A tackler was a supervisor in a textile factory responsible for the working of a number of power looms and the weavers who operated them. The title derived from the job, which was to "tackle" any mechanical problems encountered with the looms in their charge. Invariably male, they had a reputation for gullibility and were the butt of many jokes.

Last revised
Jun 2, 2026
Read time
≈ 1 min
Length
177 w
Citations
2
Source
Wikipedia ↗
At Queen Street Mill, Burnley, a tackler is running two Pemberton 'Burnley' Looms, in a six loom set. You see him start the loom by moving the leather drive belt from the idler to the drive wheel and the motion of the loom. He replenishes a shuttle and has both looms working.

A tackler was a supervisor in a textile factory responsible for the working of a number of power looms and the weavers who operated them.1 The title derived from the job, which was to "tackle" any mechanical problems encountered with the looms in their charge. Invariably male, they had a reputation for gullibility and were the butt of many jokes.2

References

References

Notes

  1. "tackler, n.", Oxford English Dictionary (online ed.), Oxford University Press, 2012, retrieved 9 March 2013 (subscription required)
  2. Worthington (2002), p. 191

Bibliography

  • Worthington, Barry (2002), Discovering Manchester:A Walking Guide to Manchester and Salford – Plus Suburban Strolls and Visits to Surrounding Attractions, Sigma Leisure, ISBN 978-1-85058-774-3
Further reading

Further reading

  • Mather, Geoffrey (2003). Tackler's Tales: A Humorous Look at Lancashire. Palatine Books. ISBN 978-1874181194.